Beginning Umpire Presentation AWS
District 8 Beginning Umpire Clinic
David Nicoson, Indiana 8 Umpire Consultant
Clinic Agenda ●
9:00 Effective Plate Meeting
●
9:15 Conflict Resolution
●
9:30 Plate Mechanics
●
10:30 Rules
●
11:00 Wedge Theory
●
11:30 Lunch (Provided)
●
12:00 Base Mechanics
●
01:00 Finish
Conflict Resolution
Conflict Resolution The umpire’s goal is to resolve issues so that the game can continue ●
Listen to the manager’s issue
●
Briefly explain your ruling
●
Get input from your partner if you need it
●
Note formal protests in writing
●
Get the manager to go away
Conflict Resolution Umpires do NOT need to: ●
Convince the manager that he is wrong
●
Win an argument
●
Provide an exact rule citation
Not the Slot This is the second most dangerous place on the baseball field.
Not the Slot This is the second most dangerous place on the baseball field.
DON’T PUT YOUR FACE THERE.
The Slot (Right-Handed Batter)
The Plate Meeting ●
Line-ups
●
Equipment
●
Ground Rules
●
Sportsmanship
Rulebook Organization I -XII Regulations
Mostly someone else’s problem
1) Objectives of the Game 2) Definition of Terms 3) Game Preliminaries 4) Starting and Ending the Game 5) Putting the Ball in Play – Live Ball 6) The Batter 7) The Runner 8) The Pitcher 9) The Umpire Operating Manual
Definitely someone else’s problem
Rules Relationships
Rules Relationships Official Baseball Rules
Rules Relationship Official Baseball Little Cal Rules League Ripken
Pony
Dixie Youth
Rules Relationship Official Baseball Little Cal Rules League Ripken
Pony
National Federation of High Schools (NFHS)
Dixie Youth
1.00 Objectives of the Game
Objectives of the Game ●
1.00 - 1.03 (Basics)
●
1.04 – 1.08 Field Layout
●
1.09 Baseball Specification
1.10 Bat Regulations ●
1.10 Bat Regulations –
Bats made of one piece of wood are legal in all divisions.
–
Baseball ● ● ● ●
–
Tee-Ball: 26” or less Minor through Major: USA Bat up to 2 5/8” Intermediate and Junior: USA Bat or BBCOR up to 2 5/8” Senior: BBCOR
Softball: ●
BPF 1.20
1.10 Bat Regulations – All Divisions Bats made of a single piece of wood are legal in all divisions
1.10 Bat Regulations – Minor & Major Baseball
1.10 Bat Regulations – Tee - Ball
26 Inches or less
1.10 Bat Regulations – Intermediate and Junior Baseball
1.10 Bat Regulations – Senior Baseball
1.10 Bat Regulations – Softball
1.11 (Stuff you can’t wear)
1.11 (Stuff you can’t wear) a) –
(3) Any part of the pitcher’s undershirt or T-shirt exposed to view shall be of a solid color. The pitcher’s undershirt sleeves, if exposed, shall not be white or gray. Neoprene sleeves, if worn by a pitcher, must be covered by an undershirt. NOTE: A pitcher shall not wear any items on his/her hands, wrists, or arms which may be distracting to the batter, e.g. sweatbands.
h) No metal spikes for Major and below j) No jewelry k) no casts
1.12 – 1.16 Mitts, etc.
1.12 – 1.16 Mitts, etc. 1.12 Catcher may use a catcher’s mitt, not a glove. 1.13 First baseman may use a glove or mitt. 1.14 Other fielders may use a glove. 1.15 Pitcher’s glove can’t be white or gray (in softball, color of the ball) 1.16 NOSCAE certified helmets
1.17 Catcher’s Equipment
1.17 Catcher’s Equipment
Throat guard improperly affixed!
1.17 Catcher’s Equipment Catcher must have: ●
Dangling throat guard
●
Cup
●
Catcher’s Helmet
●
Chest Protector
A.R. Wearing of a catcher’s helmet with mask and dangling throat guard (even if the mask has a wire extension) is required during games, pitcher warm-up, and any form of infield or infield/outfield practice. A warm-up catcher between inning is not required to have a cup or chest protector. Only players may warm-up pitchers.
2.00 Definitions (Catch) A CATCH is the act of a fielder in getting secure possession in the hand or glove of a ball in flight and firmly holding before it touches the ground, providing such fielder does not use cap, protector, pocket, or any other part of the uniform in getting possession. It is not a catch, however, if simultaneously or immediately following contact with the ball, the field fielder collides with a player, or with a wall, or if that fielder falls down, and as a result of such collision or falling drops the ball. . . In establishing the validity of the catch, the fielder shall hold the ball long enough to prove complete control of the ball and that release of the ball is voluntary and intentional.
2.00 Definitions (Catch) CATCH (continued) ●
With hands
●
Before the ball has touched the ground
●
Ground CAN cause a fumble
●
Voluntary release
2.00 Definitions (Force Play) ●
●
A FORCE PLAY is a play in which a runner legally loses his right to occupy a base by reason of the batter becoming a runner. A FOUL TIP is a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher’s hands and is legally caught. It is not a foul tip unless caught and any foul tip that is caught is a strike, and the ball is in play. It is not a catch if it is a rebound, unless the ball has first touched the catcher’s glove or hand.
2.00 Definitions (Infield Fly) An INFIELD FLY is a fair fly ball (not including a line drive nor an attempted bunt) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when first and second, or first, second and third bases are occupied, before two are out. The pitcher, catcher and any outfielder who stations himself in the infield on the play shall be considered infielders for the purpose of this rule. When it seems apparent that a batted ball will be an Infield Fly, the umpire shall immediately declare “Infield Fly” for the benefit of the runners. If the ball is near the baselines, the umpire shall declare “Infield Fly, if Fair.” The ball is alive and runners may advance at the risk of the ball being caught, or retouch and advance after the ball is touched, the same as on any fly ball. If the hit becomes a foul ball, it is treated the same as any foul.
2.00 Definitions (Infield Fly) INFIELD FLY RULE ●
Rule is designed to protect the offense from easy double plays
●
Fair fly ball
●
Can be caught with ordinary effort
●
Runners occupy first and second bases
●
Less than 2 outs
●
Not a bunt
●
Runners may advance.
●
A catch creates the obligation to retouch (tag-up).
2.00 Definitions (Strike Zone) The STRIKE ZONE is that space over home plate which is between the batter’s armpits and the top of knees when the batter assumes a natural stance. The umpire shall determine the strike zone according to the batter’s usual stance when the batter swings at a pitch.
3.00 Game Preliminaries 3.01 a) Check equipment b) Check the lines c) Get baseballs d) Know where to get more e) Put the alternative balls into play appropriately 3.02 Players may not intentionally damage the ball.
3.00 Game Preliminaries 3.03 Substitutions ●
●
●
●
All player are in the batting order for Minors and Teeball. A local league may require Continuous Batting Order in any division. A substitute may not be removed until his Mandatory Play is complete. A player must return to the same spot in the batting order he or she previously filled.
Game Preliminaries 3.04 – 3.09 3.04 No courtesy runners. 3.05 Once a player is entered in the line-up as a pitcher, he has to pitch to somebody. 3.06 Managers should report substitutions. 3.07 Announce the substitutions 3.08 . . . but if you don’t, it doesn’t matter much. 3.09 Manages and coaches shall not warm-up pitchers.
Game Preliminaries 3.10 3.10 a) The managers must agree to the fitness of the field before play starts. b) The umpire decides when play should stop or resume. ... 3.16 If a spectator interferes, fix it. ...
4.00 Starting and Ending the Game 4.01 Get line-ups at the plate meeting. 4.02 Umpire says “Play!” Then they do it. 4.03 All fielders other than the catcher must be in fair territory before the ball is put in play.
4.00 Starting and Ending the Game
4.04 - 4.07 4.04 Bat in order. If using the Continuous Batting order and a player has to leave, just skip. (No penalty) 4.05 Players (with helmets) can be base coaches. 4.06 Warn and eject when people behave badly. 4.07 People have to leave when they are ejected.
4.08 A run is not scored if the runner advances to home base during a play in which the third out is made (1) by the batter-runner before he touches first base; (2) by any runner being forced out; or (3) by a preceding runner who is declared out because he failed to touch one of the bases. An appeal for failure to retouch on a caught fly ball is NOT a force out.
4.10 – 4.19 4.10 (Majors and Below) A game called by the umpire after 4 innings (3.5 if the home team leads) is an official game. 4.11 – 4.13 (Rules for completing and resuming games) 4.14 Don’t play in the dark. ... 4.19 A manger should lodge a protest when he believes the rules have been misapplied. –
During the regular season, note the protest in the book and play on.
–
During the tournament, escalate immediately through the chain of command.
5.00 Putting the Ball in Play – Live Ball Umpire should say “Play” and “Time” appropriately. 5.08 If a thrown ball accidentally touches a base coach, or a pitched or thrown ball touches an umpire, the ball is alive and in play. However, if the coach interferes with a thrown ball, the runner is out. 5.09 . . . (b) If the umpire interferes with a catcher’s throw, it’s a do-over. Unless the ball gets by the catcher, then it’s the catcher’s problem.
5.00 Putting the Ball in Play – Live Ball 5.11 ●
Pitcher has the ball.
●
Pitcher on the pitching rubber. PLAY!
6.00 The Batter
Batter struck by a pitch
Batter struck by a pitch 6.08 (b) ●
The ball is always dead. Call TIME! first.
●
If the umpire judges an attempt to strike the ball, then it’s a strike.
●
If the ball is in the strike zone, then it’s a strike.
●
●
●
Otherwise, if the batter made any effort to avoid the ball, then award first base. If the batter made no effort to avoid the ball, then it is a ball only, not hit by pitch. A ball is not considered “batted” with a body part.
Batter struck by pitch
Batter’s Box 6.03 The batter’s legal position shall be with both feet entirely within the batter’s box. 6.06 The batter is out for illegal action when –
a) hitting the ball with one or both feet on the ground entirely outside the batter’s box
Batter’s Box
Baseball-rules.com
Batter’s Box
OK!
Batter’s Box
Batter’s Box
illegal
Batter’s Box
Batter’s Box
Batter is out if he hits the ball
6.07 Missing your turn at bat The consequence for not following the batting order is different depending on when it is discovered. ●
During the at-bat of the improper –
●
Proper batter takes over
After the at-bat but before the next pitch –
Player who misses his turn at-bat is out on appeal. Return runners.
After a pitch is thrown to the next batter. –
Nothing.
6.05 (b) Uncaught third strike ●
●
Batter becomes a runner when a third strike is uncaught if –
Two outs OR
–
First base is unoccupied
Batter is out if –
First base is occupied and less than 2 outs
–
Minor or Tee-Ball Divisions
Uncaught third strike If the batter becomes a runner due to an uncaught third strike ●
Extend your right arm and hold it there
●
Say “No Catch” (unless it’s obvious) If the batter is out but runs anyway
●
This is not interference.
●
Declare the out, especially at the Major Division
Uncaught third strike
7.00 The Runner
Interference 7.08 b ●
●
Runners must give the fielders space to make a play on a BATTED BALL. Runners who INTENTIONALLY deflect a throw have interfered.
Two Runners on a base ●
A base protects only one runner. When two runners are on a base:
●
●
●
The leading runner is in jeopardy if he is forced. The trailing runner is in jeopardy if the lead runner is NOT forced. No one is automatically out. A tag must be made to get an out.
Obstruction
Obstruction ●
●
●
●
●
Fielders who do not posses the baseball (and are not fielding a batted ball) must not hinder the runner’s progress. If obstruction occurs during a play, the ball is dead. Award at least one base. Otherwise, let the play proceed and award bases according to your judgment. A runner obstructed away from the play may still be put out if you rule that he would have been put out absent the obstruction. (Not a free pass.) A fake tag is obstruction.
Runner is out when . . .
Runner is out when . . . 7.08 Any runner is out when (3) the runner does not slide or attempt to get around a fielder with the ball waiting to make the tag
Out of base path 7.08 Any runner is out when (1) He runs more than three feet away from his base path to avoid being tagged unless his action is to avoid interference with a fielder fielding a batted ball. A runner’s basepath is established when the tag attempt occurs and is a straight line from the runner to the base he is attempting to reach safely
Ball thrown out of play
Ball thrown out of play 7.05 (g), 7.05 (h) When a fielder throws a ball out of play, award the runners 2 bases from the base last touched at the time the ball was released except when: ●
●
Throw or pitch by the pitcher while engaged with the rubber. (Award one base.) The first play by an infielder AND all runners have not yet advanced one base. Then the award is two bases from the time of the pitch.
7.08 (f) Runner struck by batted ball When a runner is struck by a batted ball, he is OUT except when: ●
●
●
The batter-runner is struck by a batted ball while in the batter’s box (Foul) The runner is struck in foul territory The ball has passed through or by an infielder AND no other infielder has a chance to play on the ball
●
A fielder deflects the ball into the runner
●
An Infield Fly strikes a runner standing on a base
8.00 The Pitcher
Balks
Balks Common balks: ●
Failure to come to a complete stop in the set position.
●
Feint to first base from the rubber.
●
Failure to step toward a base before throwing
●
Simulating a pitch while not engaged with the rubber
●
Starting a pitching motion toward home and not completing the pitch.
●
Dropping the ball while on the rubber
Not Balks
Not Balks Things managers will try to convince you are balks but aren’t: ●
Anything weird the pitcher does with no runners on base
●
Anything in the Major Division and below
●
Anything in softball
Illegal Pitches in Softball
●
Leaping
●
Crow-hop
●
Step outside the width of the rubber
●
Backward step AFTER hands are together
Umpire Positioning
Positioning A good angle is more important than proximity.
60’ Base Umpire Starting Positions
No runners
60’ Base Umpire Starting Positions
Runner on first Base
60’ Base Umpire Starting Positions
Runner or runners on second or third
Base Umpire Pivot
If the ball goes out, umpire comes in
Ball in the Infield
If the ball stays in, the umpire stays out
Force Plays ●
Point your chest toward the ball
●
Stand so that the ball passes across your eyes
●
Listen for the ball to strike the mitt
●
Stop running before judging a play.
Force Plays
Wedge Theory ●
Follow the catcher around
●
Look where he is looking
David Nicoson, Indiana 8 Umpire Consultant
Clinic Agenda ●
9:00 Effective Plate Meeting
●
9:15 Conflict Resolution
●
9:30 Plate Mechanics
●
10:30 Rules
●
11:00 Wedge Theory
●
11:30 Lunch (Provided)
●
12:00 Base Mechanics
●
01:00 Finish
Conflict Resolution
Conflict Resolution The umpire’s goal is to resolve issues so that the game can continue ●
Listen to the manager’s issue
●
Briefly explain your ruling
●
Get input from your partner if you need it
●
Note formal protests in writing
●
Get the manager to go away
Conflict Resolution Umpires do NOT need to: ●
Convince the manager that he is wrong
●
Win an argument
●
Provide an exact rule citation
Not the Slot This is the second most dangerous place on the baseball field.
Not the Slot This is the second most dangerous place on the baseball field.
DON’T PUT YOUR FACE THERE.
The Slot (Right-Handed Batter)
The Plate Meeting ●
Line-ups
●
Equipment
●
Ground Rules
●
Sportsmanship
Rulebook Organization I -XII Regulations
Mostly someone else’s problem
1) Objectives of the Game 2) Definition of Terms 3) Game Preliminaries 4) Starting and Ending the Game 5) Putting the Ball in Play – Live Ball 6) The Batter 7) The Runner 8) The Pitcher 9) The Umpire Operating Manual
Definitely someone else’s problem
Rules Relationships
Rules Relationships Official Baseball Rules
Rules Relationship Official Baseball Little Cal Rules League Ripken
Pony
Dixie Youth
Rules Relationship Official Baseball Little Cal Rules League Ripken
Pony
National Federation of High Schools (NFHS)
Dixie Youth
1.00 Objectives of the Game
Objectives of the Game ●
1.00 - 1.03 (Basics)
●
1.04 – 1.08 Field Layout
●
1.09 Baseball Specification
1.10 Bat Regulations ●
1.10 Bat Regulations –
Bats made of one piece of wood are legal in all divisions.
–
Baseball ● ● ● ●
–
Tee-Ball: 26” or less Minor through Major: USA Bat up to 2 5/8” Intermediate and Junior: USA Bat or BBCOR up to 2 5/8” Senior: BBCOR
Softball: ●
BPF 1.20
1.10 Bat Regulations – All Divisions Bats made of a single piece of wood are legal in all divisions
1.10 Bat Regulations – Minor & Major Baseball
1.10 Bat Regulations – Tee - Ball
26 Inches or less
1.10 Bat Regulations – Intermediate and Junior Baseball
1.10 Bat Regulations – Senior Baseball
1.10 Bat Regulations – Softball
1.11 (Stuff you can’t wear)
1.11 (Stuff you can’t wear) a) –
(3) Any part of the pitcher’s undershirt or T-shirt exposed to view shall be of a solid color. The pitcher’s undershirt sleeves, if exposed, shall not be white or gray. Neoprene sleeves, if worn by a pitcher, must be covered by an undershirt. NOTE: A pitcher shall not wear any items on his/her hands, wrists, or arms which may be distracting to the batter, e.g. sweatbands.
h) No metal spikes for Major and below j) No jewelry k) no casts
1.12 – 1.16 Mitts, etc.
1.12 – 1.16 Mitts, etc. 1.12 Catcher may use a catcher’s mitt, not a glove. 1.13 First baseman may use a glove or mitt. 1.14 Other fielders may use a glove. 1.15 Pitcher’s glove can’t be white or gray (in softball, color of the ball) 1.16 NOSCAE certified helmets
1.17 Catcher’s Equipment
1.17 Catcher’s Equipment
Throat guard improperly affixed!
1.17 Catcher’s Equipment Catcher must have: ●
Dangling throat guard
●
Cup
●
Catcher’s Helmet
●
Chest Protector
A.R. Wearing of a catcher’s helmet with mask and dangling throat guard (even if the mask has a wire extension) is required during games, pitcher warm-up, and any form of infield or infield/outfield practice. A warm-up catcher between inning is not required to have a cup or chest protector. Only players may warm-up pitchers.
2.00 Definitions (Catch) A CATCH is the act of a fielder in getting secure possession in the hand or glove of a ball in flight and firmly holding before it touches the ground, providing such fielder does not use cap, protector, pocket, or any other part of the uniform in getting possession. It is not a catch, however, if simultaneously or immediately following contact with the ball, the field fielder collides with a player, or with a wall, or if that fielder falls down, and as a result of such collision or falling drops the ball. . . In establishing the validity of the catch, the fielder shall hold the ball long enough to prove complete control of the ball and that release of the ball is voluntary and intentional.
2.00 Definitions (Catch) CATCH (continued) ●
With hands
●
Before the ball has touched the ground
●
Ground CAN cause a fumble
●
Voluntary release
2.00 Definitions (Force Play) ●
●
A FORCE PLAY is a play in which a runner legally loses his right to occupy a base by reason of the batter becoming a runner. A FOUL TIP is a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher’s hands and is legally caught. It is not a foul tip unless caught and any foul tip that is caught is a strike, and the ball is in play. It is not a catch if it is a rebound, unless the ball has first touched the catcher’s glove or hand.
2.00 Definitions (Infield Fly) An INFIELD FLY is a fair fly ball (not including a line drive nor an attempted bunt) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when first and second, or first, second and third bases are occupied, before two are out. The pitcher, catcher and any outfielder who stations himself in the infield on the play shall be considered infielders for the purpose of this rule. When it seems apparent that a batted ball will be an Infield Fly, the umpire shall immediately declare “Infield Fly” for the benefit of the runners. If the ball is near the baselines, the umpire shall declare “Infield Fly, if Fair.” The ball is alive and runners may advance at the risk of the ball being caught, or retouch and advance after the ball is touched, the same as on any fly ball. If the hit becomes a foul ball, it is treated the same as any foul.
2.00 Definitions (Infield Fly) INFIELD FLY RULE ●
Rule is designed to protect the offense from easy double plays
●
Fair fly ball
●
Can be caught with ordinary effort
●
Runners occupy first and second bases
●
Less than 2 outs
●
Not a bunt
●
Runners may advance.
●
A catch creates the obligation to retouch (tag-up).
2.00 Definitions (Strike Zone) The STRIKE ZONE is that space over home plate which is between the batter’s armpits and the top of knees when the batter assumes a natural stance. The umpire shall determine the strike zone according to the batter’s usual stance when the batter swings at a pitch.
3.00 Game Preliminaries 3.01 a) Check equipment b) Check the lines c) Get baseballs d) Know where to get more e) Put the alternative balls into play appropriately 3.02 Players may not intentionally damage the ball.
3.00 Game Preliminaries 3.03 Substitutions ●
●
●
●
All player are in the batting order for Minors and Teeball. A local league may require Continuous Batting Order in any division. A substitute may not be removed until his Mandatory Play is complete. A player must return to the same spot in the batting order he or she previously filled.
Game Preliminaries 3.04 – 3.09 3.04 No courtesy runners. 3.05 Once a player is entered in the line-up as a pitcher, he has to pitch to somebody. 3.06 Managers should report substitutions. 3.07 Announce the substitutions 3.08 . . . but if you don’t, it doesn’t matter much. 3.09 Manages and coaches shall not warm-up pitchers.
Game Preliminaries 3.10 3.10 a) The managers must agree to the fitness of the field before play starts. b) The umpire decides when play should stop or resume. ... 3.16 If a spectator interferes, fix it. ...
4.00 Starting and Ending the Game 4.01 Get line-ups at the plate meeting. 4.02 Umpire says “Play!” Then they do it. 4.03 All fielders other than the catcher must be in fair territory before the ball is put in play.
4.00 Starting and Ending the Game
4.04 - 4.07 4.04 Bat in order. If using the Continuous Batting order and a player has to leave, just skip. (No penalty) 4.05 Players (with helmets) can be base coaches. 4.06 Warn and eject when people behave badly. 4.07 People have to leave when they are ejected.
4.08 A run is not scored if the runner advances to home base during a play in which the third out is made (1) by the batter-runner before he touches first base; (2) by any runner being forced out; or (3) by a preceding runner who is declared out because he failed to touch one of the bases. An appeal for failure to retouch on a caught fly ball is NOT a force out.
4.10 – 4.19 4.10 (Majors and Below) A game called by the umpire after 4 innings (3.5 if the home team leads) is an official game. 4.11 – 4.13 (Rules for completing and resuming games) 4.14 Don’t play in the dark. ... 4.19 A manger should lodge a protest when he believes the rules have been misapplied. –
During the regular season, note the protest in the book and play on.
–
During the tournament, escalate immediately through the chain of command.
5.00 Putting the Ball in Play – Live Ball Umpire should say “Play” and “Time” appropriately. 5.08 If a thrown ball accidentally touches a base coach, or a pitched or thrown ball touches an umpire, the ball is alive and in play. However, if the coach interferes with a thrown ball, the runner is out. 5.09 . . . (b) If the umpire interferes with a catcher’s throw, it’s a do-over. Unless the ball gets by the catcher, then it’s the catcher’s problem.
5.00 Putting the Ball in Play – Live Ball 5.11 ●
Pitcher has the ball.
●
Pitcher on the pitching rubber. PLAY!
6.00 The Batter
Batter struck by a pitch
Batter struck by a pitch 6.08 (b) ●
The ball is always dead. Call TIME! first.
●
If the umpire judges an attempt to strike the ball, then it’s a strike.
●
If the ball is in the strike zone, then it’s a strike.
●
●
●
Otherwise, if the batter made any effort to avoid the ball, then award first base. If the batter made no effort to avoid the ball, then it is a ball only, not hit by pitch. A ball is not considered “batted” with a body part.
Batter struck by pitch
Batter’s Box 6.03 The batter’s legal position shall be with both feet entirely within the batter’s box. 6.06 The batter is out for illegal action when –
a) hitting the ball with one or both feet on the ground entirely outside the batter’s box
Batter’s Box
Baseball-rules.com
Batter’s Box
OK!
Batter’s Box
Batter’s Box
illegal
Batter’s Box
Batter’s Box
Batter is out if he hits the ball
6.07 Missing your turn at bat The consequence for not following the batting order is different depending on when it is discovered. ●
During the at-bat of the improper –
●
Proper batter takes over
After the at-bat but before the next pitch –
Player who misses his turn at-bat is out on appeal. Return runners.
After a pitch is thrown to the next batter. –
Nothing.
6.05 (b) Uncaught third strike ●
●
Batter becomes a runner when a third strike is uncaught if –
Two outs OR
–
First base is unoccupied
Batter is out if –
First base is occupied and less than 2 outs
–
Minor or Tee-Ball Divisions
Uncaught third strike If the batter becomes a runner due to an uncaught third strike ●
Extend your right arm and hold it there
●
Say “No Catch” (unless it’s obvious) If the batter is out but runs anyway
●
This is not interference.
●
Declare the out, especially at the Major Division
Uncaught third strike
7.00 The Runner
Interference 7.08 b ●
●
Runners must give the fielders space to make a play on a BATTED BALL. Runners who INTENTIONALLY deflect a throw have interfered.
Two Runners on a base ●
A base protects only one runner. When two runners are on a base:
●
●
●
The leading runner is in jeopardy if he is forced. The trailing runner is in jeopardy if the lead runner is NOT forced. No one is automatically out. A tag must be made to get an out.
Obstruction
Obstruction ●
●
●
●
●
Fielders who do not posses the baseball (and are not fielding a batted ball) must not hinder the runner’s progress. If obstruction occurs during a play, the ball is dead. Award at least one base. Otherwise, let the play proceed and award bases according to your judgment. A runner obstructed away from the play may still be put out if you rule that he would have been put out absent the obstruction. (Not a free pass.) A fake tag is obstruction.
Runner is out when . . .
Runner is out when . . . 7.08 Any runner is out when (3) the runner does not slide or attempt to get around a fielder with the ball waiting to make the tag
Out of base path 7.08 Any runner is out when (1) He runs more than three feet away from his base path to avoid being tagged unless his action is to avoid interference with a fielder fielding a batted ball. A runner’s basepath is established when the tag attempt occurs and is a straight line from the runner to the base he is attempting to reach safely
Ball thrown out of play
Ball thrown out of play 7.05 (g), 7.05 (h) When a fielder throws a ball out of play, award the runners 2 bases from the base last touched at the time the ball was released except when: ●
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Throw or pitch by the pitcher while engaged with the rubber. (Award one base.) The first play by an infielder AND all runners have not yet advanced one base. Then the award is two bases from the time of the pitch.
7.08 (f) Runner struck by batted ball When a runner is struck by a batted ball, he is OUT except when: ●
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The batter-runner is struck by a batted ball while in the batter’s box (Foul) The runner is struck in foul territory The ball has passed through or by an infielder AND no other infielder has a chance to play on the ball
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A fielder deflects the ball into the runner
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An Infield Fly strikes a runner standing on a base
8.00 The Pitcher
Balks
Balks Common balks: ●
Failure to come to a complete stop in the set position.
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Feint to first base from the rubber.
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Failure to step toward a base before throwing
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Simulating a pitch while not engaged with the rubber
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Starting a pitching motion toward home and not completing the pitch.
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Dropping the ball while on the rubber
Not Balks
Not Balks Things managers will try to convince you are balks but aren’t: ●
Anything weird the pitcher does with no runners on base
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Anything in the Major Division and below
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Anything in softball
Illegal Pitches in Softball
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Leaping
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Crow-hop
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Step outside the width of the rubber
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Backward step AFTER hands are together
Umpire Positioning
Positioning A good angle is more important than proximity.
60’ Base Umpire Starting Positions
No runners
60’ Base Umpire Starting Positions
Runner on first Base
60’ Base Umpire Starting Positions
Runner or runners on second or third
Base Umpire Pivot
If the ball goes out, umpire comes in
Ball in the Infield
If the ball stays in, the umpire stays out
Force Plays ●
Point your chest toward the ball
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Stand so that the ball passes across your eyes
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Listen for the ball to strike the mitt
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Stop running before judging a play.
Force Plays
Wedge Theory ●
Follow the catcher around
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Look where he is looking
